The phrase "Whited Sepulchre" is a biblical term used to describe someone who is outwardly righteous or holy, but inwardly corrupt. The spelling of the word "whited" is pronounced /ˈwaɪtɪd/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with the "w" sound at the beginning and the long "i" sound in the middle. The spelling of "sepulchre" is pronounced /ˈsɛpəlkər/, with the emphasis on the "sep" syllable and the "ch" pronounced as a hard "k" sound. Together, these words create a striking and powerful image of hypocrisy and deceit.
Whited Sepulchre is a phrase that originates from the Bible and holds religious and symbolic significance. The term is derived from the Book of Matthew in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ uses it to describe hypocrites and individuals who appear righteous and virtuous on the outside but lack true goodness and sincerity in their hearts.
The phrase itself refers to a tomb or sepulchre that has been painted or whitewashed. In a literal sense, it presents a bright, radiant, and appealing exterior. However, metaphorically, it represents a person or situation that hides evil intentions, corruption, or deceit behind a façade of righteousness and moral superiority.
The concept of a whited sepulchre suggests that appearances can be deceiving and cautions against judging solely based on outward appearances. It emphasizes the importance of genuine character, integrity, and sincerity, rather than superficial displays of virtue.
This phrase is often used to criticize individuals or institutions that present themselves as morally upright and righteous while engaging in deceitful or morally questionable actions. It serves as a reminder for individuals to be wary of hypocrisy and urges them to look beyond what is visible to uncover the truth or authenticity beneath the surface.
The phrase "Whited Sepulchre" originates from the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible, specifically from Chapter 23, Verse 27. In this verse, Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who were revered for being religious but were morally corrupt. He describes them as "whited sepulchres" or "whitewashed tombs" – beautiful and clean on the outside but filled with dead bones and uncleanness on the inside.
The phrase has since become a metaphor to describe someone or something that outwardly appears good or virtuous but conceals an evil or unethical nature. It suggests a stark contrast between the outward appearance and the hidden reality, as epitomized by the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.